Method for configuring an insulin pump with configuring device

ABSTRACT

An insulin pump is configurable by a configurator. The pump has parameter blocks, each with a respective parameter and an associated restriction setting, and the configurator has an authorization level. Configuring the pump includes receiving, by the configurator, a request to access a parameter on the pump. The method also includes identifying, by the configurator, the parameter block that includes the parameter. Moreover, the method includes retrieving, by the configurator from the pump, the parameter and the associated restriction setting, and comparing, by the configurator, the authorization level of the configurator to the restriction setting. Also, the method includes determining, by the configurator, whether the configurator is authorized to write to the parameter block based on the comparison. Additionally, the method includes writing, by the configurator, to the parameter block on the insulin pump in response to a determination that the configurator is authorized to write to the parameter block.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an insulin pump and, moreparticularly, relates to a method for configuring an insulin pump usinga configuring device.

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus, often referred to as diabetes, is a chronic conditionin which a person has elevated blood glucose levels that result fromdefects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin. Diabetescan be treated by injecting predetermined dosages of insulin to thepatient to control the level of glucose in the bloodstream. Forinstance, some diabetes patients rely on an insulin pump to deliver thepredetermined dosages to the patient.

The insulin pump can closely imitate a normally functioning pancreas byreleasing multiple small doses of insulin each day into the body throughan infusion set to regulate blood glucose levels. The dosage deliveryrate of these small doses (i.e., the basal rate) can vary from user touser. Also, even for a particular user, the basal rate can changethroughout the day, and the basal rate can depend upon various factors(e.g., the user's metabolism, physical health, stress levels, amount ofexercise, etc.).

Insulin pumps can also deliver (either automatically or selectively)bolus doses of insulin. These bolus doses can be delivered before mealsor snacks to compensate for the caloric intake. Also, bolus dosages canbe delivered to correct high blood glucose levels. Moreover, the pumpcan be configured to deliver multiple types of bolus dosages (e.g., a“standard bolus,” an “extended bolus,” a “combination bolus/multiwavebolus,” or other type). These dosages can be adjusted according to thepatient's particular physiology, eating habits, etc.

In some cases, the insulin pump can include a display and buttons orother input devices for inputting commands and other entries forconfiguring the pump. Also, in some cases, a separate device can be usedto configure the pump. For instance, the patient's doctor can use apersonal computer to configure the pump to include basal dosageprofiles, maximum bolus dosage limits, etc. that are tailored for theparticular patient. Moreover, in some embodiments, a blood glucose meteror other device can be used to select between predetermined temporarybasal dosage rates that are saved on the pump.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In order to ensure that the pump is properly configured, acomputer-implemented method of configuring an insulin pump using a pumpconfiguring device is disclosed. The insulin pump has a plurality ofparameter blocks, and each of the plurality of parameter blocks has arespective parameter and an associated restriction setting (i.e., accesstag). The pump configuring device has a predetermined authorizationlevel. The method includes receiving, by the pump configuring device, arequest to access one of the parameters on the insulin pump. The methodalso includes identifying, by the pump configuring device, the one ofthe plurality of parameter blocks that includes the one of theparameters. Moreover, the method includes retrieving, by the pumpconfiguring device from the insulin pump, the one of the parameters andthe restriction setting associated with the one of the parameters.Furthermore, the method includes comparing, by the pump configuringdevice, the authorization level of the pump configuring device to therestriction setting associated with the one of the parameters. Also, themethod includes determining, by the pump configuring device, whether thepump configuring device is authorized to write to the one of theplurality of parameter blocks based on the comparison of theauthorization level and the restriction setting. Additionally, themethod includes writing, by the pump configuring device, to the one ofthe plurality of parameter blocks on the insulin pump in response to adetermination that the pump configuring device is authorized to write tothe one of the parameter blocks.

In some embodiments, the method further includes displaying, by the pumpconfiguring device, the parameter on a display of the pump configuringdevice. Displaying the parameter can include displaying the parameter asa changeable parameter in response to the determination that the pumpconfiguring device is authorized to write to one of the parameterblocks. Moreover, the method can include receiving, by the pumpconfiguring device, a request to change the parameter to a new value,wherein writing to the one of the plurality of parameter blocks includeswriting the new value of the one of the parameters to the one of theplurality of parameter blocks. The method can additionally includeprompting a user of the pump configuring device for confirmation of therequest to change the one of the parameters to the new value. Also,displaying the parameter can include displaying the parameter toindicate that the parameter is unchangeable in response to adetermination that the pump configuring device is unauthorized to writeto the one of the parameter blocks. Still further, identifying the oneof the plurality of parameter blocks that includes the one of theparameter can include requesting, by the pump configuring device fromthe insulin pump, a location of the one of the plurality of parameterblocks on the insulin pump and receiving, from the insulin pump to thepump configuring device, the location of the one of the plurality ofparameter blocks on the insulin pump. Furthermore, the pump configuringdevice can be one of a first pump configuring device and a second pumpconfiguring device, wherein the first pump configuring device has afirst authorization level and the second pump configuring device has asecond authorization level, and wherein the second authorization levelauthorizes writing to more of the plurality of parameter blocks than thefirst authorization level. Additionally, the first pump configuringdevice can be a blood glucose meter and the second pump configuringdevice can be a personal computer that runs pump configuring software.Moreover, the pump configuring device can be usable by a first user andcan be separately useable by a second user, wherein the predeterminedauthorization level of the pump configuring device remains the same forthe first user and the second user. Furthermore, the plurality ofparameter blocks can include a plurality of active parameter blocks anda plurality of backup parameter blocks, wherein each of the activeparameter blocks has a corresponding backup parameter block, whereinwriting to the one of the plurality of parameter blocks includes writinga new parameter to the one of the backup parameter blocks andsubsequently writing the new parameter to the active parameter blockcorresponding to the one of the backup parameter blocks. The method canfurther include determining the new parameter on the one of the backupparameter blocks is valid before writing the new parameter to the activeparameter block, and restoring an old parameter to the one of the backupparameter blocks as a result of determining that the new parameter isinvalid. Additionally, writing to the one of the plurality of parameterblocks can include writing to at least two parameter blocks insuccession.

In addition, a pump configuring device is disclosed that is operable toconfigure an insulin pump having a plurality of parameter blocks. Eachof the plurality of parameter blocks has a respective parameter and anassociated restriction setting. The insulin pump configuring deviceincludes an input device that is operable to receive a request to accessone of the parameters on the insulin pump. The device also includes amemory device with a predetermined authorization level of the pumpconfiguring device saved thereon. The device further includes acommunication device that is operable to communicate with the insulinpump to retrieve the one of the parameters and the restriction settingassociated with the one of the parameters. Additionally, the deviceincludes a processor that is operable to compare the authorization levelof the pump configuring device to the restriction setting associatedwith the one of the parameters, determine whether the pump configuringdevice is authorized to write to the one of the plurality of parameterblocks based on the comparison of the authorization level and therestriction setting, and write to the one of the plurality of parameterblocks on the insulin pump in response to a determination that the pumpconfiguring device is authorized to write to the one of the parameterblocks.

Furthermore, a diabetes treatment system is disclosed that includes aninsulin pump having a plurality of parameter blocks. Each of theplurality of parameter blocks has a respective parameter and anassociated restriction setting. The system also includes an insulin pumpconfiguring device that includes an input device that is operable toreceive a request to access one of the parameters on the insulin pump.The configuring device also includes a memory device with apredetermined authorization level of the pump configuring device savedthereon. Also, the configuring device includes a communication devicethat is operable to communicate with the insulin pump to retrieve theone of the parameters and the restriction setting associated with theone of the parameters. Moreover, the configuring device includes aprocessor that is operable to compare the authorization level of thepump configuring device to the restriction setting associated with theone of the parameters, determine whether the pump configuring device isauthorized to write to the one of the plurality of parameter blocksbased on the comparison of the authorization level and the restrictionsetting, and write to the one of the plurality of parameter blocks onthe insulin pump in response to a determination that the pumpconfiguring device is authorized to write to the one of the parameterblocks.

Moreover, a computer-implemented method of configuring an insulin pumpusing a pump configuring device is disclosed. The insulin pump has aplurality of parameter blocks, and each of the plurality of parameterblocks have a respective old parameter and an associated restrictionsetting. The plurality of parameter blocks are also divided into aplurality of active parameter blocks and a plurality of backup parameterblocks. Each of the active parameter blocks are substantially copied bya corresponding backup parameter block. The pump configuring device alsohas a predetermined authorization level. The method includes receiving,by the pump configuring device, a request to change one of the oldparameters on the insulin pump to a new parameter. The method alsoincludes identifying, by the pump configuring device, the one of theplurality of active parameter blocks and the one of the plurality ofbackup parameter blocks that includes the one of the old parameters.Moreover, the method includes retrieving, by the pump configuring devicefrom the insulin pump, the one of the old parameters and the restrictionsetting associated with the one of the old parameters. Furthermore, themethod includes comparing, by the pump configuring device, theauthorization level of the pump configuring device to the restrictionsetting associated with the one of the old parameters. Also, the methodincludes determining, by the pump configuring device, whether the pumpconfiguring device is authorized to write to the one of the plurality ofbackup parameter blocks based on the comparison of the authorizationlevel and the restriction setting. The method additionally includesoverwriting, by the pump configuring device, the one of the oldparameters with the new parameter on the one of the plurality of backupparameter blocks in response to a determination that the pumpconfiguring device is authorized to write to the one of the backupparameter blocks. Moreover, the method includes determining, by theinsulin pump, whether the new parameter is valid after overwriting theone of the old parameters with the new parameter. Furthermore, themethod includes overwriting, by the insulin pump, the one of the oldparameters with the new parameter on the one of the one of the activeparameter blocks that is a substantial copy of the one of the pluralityof backup parameter blocks in response to a determination that the newparameter is valid and overwriting, by the insulin pump, the newparameter with the one of the old parameters on the one of the pluralityof backup parameter blocks in response to a determination that the newparameter is invalid.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of a system for treatingdiabetes according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of an insulin pump and an infusion set of thesystem of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a blood glucose meter of the system of FIGS.1A and 1B;

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating relationships between restrictionsettings for different parameters on the pump and authorization levelsfor accessing and changing the parameters by a pump configuring device;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of configuring an insulinpump using the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow charts illustrating additional embodiments of amethod of configuring an insulin pump using the system of FIGS. 1A and1B.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a system 10 for treatingdiabetes is illustrated schematically. As shown, the system 10 cangenerally include an insulin pump 12 and an infusion set 14 (FIG. 1A),which are operable for delivering controlled dosages of insulin to apatient 11 as will be discussed. Exemplary embodiments of the insulinpump 12 and infusion set 14 are illustrated in FIG. 2. The system 10 canalso include one or more pump configuring devices 15 a, 15 b, 15 c (FIG.1B), which are individually operable to configure the pump 12 (i.e., bychanging parameters that govern the operation of the pump 12).

The pump 12 can be configured in a number of ways. Some configurationsare patient-specific (e.g., maximum bolus dosage limits, basal dosageprofiles, temporary basal rates, etc.) such that the pump 12 operatesaccording to the specific diet, lifestyle, physiology, etc. of theparticular patient 11. Other configurations are appropriate for manyusers (e.g., languages displayed on the graphic user interface of thepump 12, etc.).

As will be discussed below, the system 10 is designed such that certainpump configuring devices 15 a, 15 b, 15 c are authorized to reconfigurethe pump 12 (i.e., by adding, deleting, or changing certain parametersstored on the pump 12) while other devices 15 a, 15 b, 15 c areunauthorized to do so. As a result, the pump 12 can be configured in acontrolled and efficient manner.

The System

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2, the insulin pump 12 can incorporate variousfeatures of a known, wearable, and portable insulin pump 12. Thus, theinsulin pump 12 can include a housing 13 that supports at least onerefillable reservoir 20 (i.e., insulin cartridge) containing insulin.(The reservoir 20 is shown partially removed from the housing 13 in FIG.2.) The reservoir 20 can selectively deliver insulin to the infusion set14 as will be described in greater detail below.

The pump 12 can also include a processor 22 (i.e., controller) thatincludes programmed logic and/or other elements for controlling thestart and stoppage of insulin delivery from the reservoir 20, the flowrate of the insulin, etc. The pump 12 can additionally include one ormore memory devices 24 (FIG. 1A). The memory device 24 can storeapplication programs and data and can be constructed of any suitablecombination of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory.

Some or all of the data stored on the memory device 24 can be organizedinto distinct parameter blocks 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, 21 d (i.e.,configuration blocks). Each of the individual parameter blocks 21 a-21 dinclude a respective parameter Ma, 51 b, 51 c, 51 d (i.e., variable).The parameters 51 a-51 d are labeled “Parameter W,” “Parameter X,”“Parameter Y,” and “Parameter Z,” respectively, in FIG. 1A. Theparameters 51 a, 51 b, 51 c, 51 d can be of any type, such as a maximumbolus insulin dosage, a basal insulin dosage profile, a temporary basalinsulin dosage rate, settings for the languages displayed by the pump12, or other types of parameters. Each of the parameter blocks 21 a-21 dcan also include an associated restriction setting 53 a, 53 b, 53 c, 53d (i.e., access tag). The restriction settings 53 a-53 d are labeled“Restriction A,” “Restriction B,” “Restriction C,” and “Restriction D,”respectively, in FIG. 1A. As will be discussed, the differentrestriction settings 53 a-53 d can be used for regulating whether thepump 12 and/or any of the pump configuring devices 15 a, 15 b, 15 c isallowed to add, delete, or otherwise change the respective parameters 51a-51 d in the respective parameter block 21 a-21 d.

It will be appreciated that the pump 12 can include any number ofparameter blocks 21 a-21 d. Also, each block 21 a-21 d can include anynumber of respective parameters 51 a-51 d.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1A, the memory device 24 can further includebackup parameter blocks 21 a′, 21 b′, 21 c′, 21 d′. The backup parameterblocks 21 a′, 21 b′, 21 c′, 21 d′ can substantially copy respective onesof the parameter blocks 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, 21 d. As such, the backupparameter blocks 21 a′, 21 b′, 21 c′, 21 d′ each contain the samerespective parameters 51 a-51 d and restriction settings 53 a-53 dcontained in the corresponding parameter block 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, 21 d.As will be discussed, the parameter blocks 21 a-21 d (i.e., the “activeparameter blocks”) can be relied upon for governing operations of thepump 12 while the backup parameter blocks 21 a′-21 d′ can serve as abackup copy. As will be discussed, however, when the pump 12 is beingconfigured (i.e., changes are made to the parameters 51 a-51 d), thechanges can be written to the backup parameter blocks 21 a′-21 d′instead of the “active” parameter blocks 21 a-21 d. Then, assuming thatthe configuration is valid, the updated contents of the backup parameterblocks 21 a′-21 d′ can be copied to the “active” parameter blocks 21a-21 d.

The memory device 24 of the pump 12 can further store a pumpauthorization level 23 (labeled “Auth. 1” in FIG. 1A) thereon. As willbe discussed, the pump authorization level 23 can be used fordetermining whether the pump 12 is authorized to change or otherwiseconfigure the parameters 51 a-51 d contained in the parameter blocks 21a-21 d.

Moreover, the pump 12 can include a power source, such as a battery 28,for providing power to the components of the pump 12. The battery 28 caninclude a main battery that supplies power for normal operations of thepump 12, and the battery 28 can include a backup battery that suppliespower for only essential operations of the pump 12 when the main batteryfails. It will be appreciated that the pump 12 can include additional oralternative power sources (e.g., one or more capacitors, etc.) withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, the pump 12 can include one or more input devices 31 thatcan be used by the patient 11 for inputting commands directly to thepump 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the input devices 31 can include one ormore buttons that the patient 11 can depress for inputting suchcommands; however, the input device 31 could include a touch-sensitivesurface, a sliding switch, or other input device. The pump 12 canfurther include one or more output devices 33 that can output one ormore messages (e.g., messages relating to dosages, etc.). In theembodiments of FIG. 2, the output device 33 includes a display screen 35for outputting the messages visually; however, the output device 33could include a speaker for outputting the messages aurally. Moreover,in some embodiments, the output device 33 can include a tactile,vibrating motor for outputting the messages in a tactile manner.

The pump 12 can further include a communications device 29. Thecommunication device 29 can establish communications between the pump 12and the pump configuring devices 15 a-15 c as will be discussed indetail below. The communications device 29 can include a wirelesstransceiver (e.g., BLUETOOTH™ transceiver, etc.), and/or thecommunications device 29 can include a connector for connecting a wirebetween the pump 12 and the pump configuring devices 15 a-15 c.

Furthermore, the infusion set 14 can be of a known type. As shown inFIG. 2, the infusion set 14 can include a cannula 34 that is insertedsubcutaneously into the patient 11 (i.e., the user, the person withdiabetes, etc.). The infusion set 14 can also include a tube 36 thatfluidly connects the cannula 34 to the reservoir 20 of the pump 12. Assuch, insulin can be delivered from the reservoir 20 and into thepatient's bloodstream via the infusion set 14.

Embodiments of the pump configuring devices 15 a, 15 b, 15 c will now bediscussed in detail with reference to FIG. 1B. In the embodimentsillustrated, the pump configuring device 15 a is embodied by a handheldor otherwise portable blood glucose meter 19, which is operable todetect a glucose level in the user's blood. (Exemplary embodiments ofthe blood glucose meter 19 are illustrated in FIG. 3.) Also, in theembodiments illustrated in FIG. 1B, the other pump configuring devices15 b, 15 c are embodied by a first personal computers 17 a and a secondpersonal computer 17 b, respectively. Both of the computers 17 a, 17 bare operable to run software for configuring the pump 12 (i.e., pumpconfiguring software). The personal computers 17 a, 17 b can each beembodied by a desktop computer, laptop computer, personal data assistant(PDA), tablet-type computing device, or other comparable type.

It will be appreciated that the system 10 can include any number of pumpconfiguring devices 15 a, 15 b, 15 c. It will also be appreciated thatthe devices 15 a, 15 b, 15 c can be embodied by any type of computerizeddevice that is able to communicate with the pump 12 for configuring thepump 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 3, embodiments of the blood glucose meter19 will be discussed in detail. The blood glucose meter 19 can include ahousing 37 that houses the components of the meter 19. As shown in FIG.1B, the meter 19 can include a processor 40, which can includeprogrammed logic and/or other elements for controlling the meter 19 andfor sending commands to the pump 12.

The meter 19 can also include a memory device 42, which can storeapplication programs and data and can be constructed of any suitablecombination of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. The memory device 42can also include a respective meter authorization level 43 (indicated as“Auth. 2” in FIG. 1B). The meter authorization level 43 can be used fordetermining whether the meter 19 is authorized to change or otherwiseconfigure certain ones of the parameters 51 a-51 d on the pump 12 aswill be discussed in detail below. The authorization level 43 can bedifferent from the authorization level 23 of the pump 12 (FIG. 1A) suchthat the meter 19 can be authorized to configure different parameterblocks 21 a-21 d than the pump 12.

Moreover, the meter 19 can include a battery 41 or other power sourcethat supplies power to the components of the meter 19. Also, the meter19 can include one or more input devices 44 with which the patient 11can input commands. The input devices 44 can include buttons, switches,a touch sensitive surface, or any other suitable device. The meter 19can further include one or more output devices 46 that outputinformation relating to operations of the system 10. The output devices46 can be of any suitable type, such as a display 48 that outputsinformation visually, a speaker that outputs audible information, avibrating motor that outputs tactile information, etc. In theembodiments of FIG. 3, the meter 19 includes the display 48, and thedisplay 48 includes one or more touch-sensitive areas, such that thedisplay 48 can function as both an input device 44 and an output device46. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the display 48 can display variousinformation, such as the current date and time, graphical informationabout insulin dosages, etc. Furthermore, the display 48 can display userselectable options for allowing the patient 11 to enter bolusinformation (labeled “Bolus” in FIG. 3), carbohydrate information(labeled “Carbs” in FIG. 3), or other information related to meals,exercise, periods of stress, physiological events such as menstruation,etc. (labeled “Events” in FIG. 3).

Also, the meter 19 can be of a known type for detecting the current(i.e., actual) blood glucose level of the patient 11. More specifically,the patient 11 can apply blood to a test strip 38, and the meter 19 canreceive the strip 38 and detect the amount of glucose in the bloodthereon. This information can be useful for calculating an appropriatebolus dosage or for other purposes. Also, this information can be storedin the memory device 42 in a suitable database for future analysis.

The blood glucose readings can also be associated or otherwise storedwith other information in the memory device 42. For instance, the memorydevice 42 can store the blood glucose readings with other health relatedinformation of the particular patient 11. More specifically, the memorydevice 42 can store recommended bolus and carbohydrate advice historyrecords. The memory device 42 can further store health, carbohydrate,and blood-glucose-related variables (e.g., insulin sensitivities of thepatient 11 for particular time segments of particular days of the week,etc.).

The meter 19 can further include a communication device 50, such as awireless transceiver (e.g., a BLUETOOTH™ transceiver, etc.) or aconnector for connecting a wire. Thus, the communication device 50 ofthe meter 19 can selectively communicate with the communication device29 of the insulin pump 12 wirelessly and/or via a hardwire connection.As will be discussed, the communication devices 50, 29 can providetwo-way communication between the meter 19 and the insulin pump 12.

Thus, the processor 40 can run software stored in the memory device 42.Also, various input commands can be provided from the patient 11 via theinput device 44 (e.g., the touch-sensitive surface of the display 48)for performing various functions. For instance, the processor 40 cancalculate a recommended meal bolus, a recommended correction bolus, arecommended total bolus, and/or a suggested carbohydrate amount in thismanner. Also, the processor 40 can cause the communication device 50 totransmit various control commands to the pump 12. The meter 19 can senda variety of control commands, such as a START BOLUS DELIVERY, STOPPUMP, and other commands. The insulin amount, dosage time, insulin flowrate, etc. can also be specified in this command. Moreover, the meter 19can be used to read the parameters 51 a-51 d on the pump 12 and, if themeter 19 is authorized to do so, the meter 19 can be used to write to atleast some of the parameter blocks 21 a-21 d for adding, deleting,and/or changing the respective parameter(s) 51 a-51 d.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1B, the personal computers 17 a, 17 b caneach include components that are typically included on a personalcomputer. For instance, the personal computers 17 a, 17 b can eachinclude respective processors 52 a, 52 b that are operable forprocessing data, outputting control commands, etc. Also, the computers17 a, 17 b can include one or more input devices Ma, 54 b (e.g.,keyboard, computer mouse, touch-sensitive surface, etc.). Furthermore,the computers 17 a, 17 b can include one or more output devices 56 a, 56b. The output devices 56 a, 56 b can be embodied by respective displays58 a, 58 b, and/or the output devices 56 a, 56 b can be embodiedotherwise (e.g., by speakers, etc.). Moreover, the computers 17 a, 17 bcan include a respective communication device 60 a, 60 b, such as awireless transceiver (e.g., a BLUETOOTH™ transceiver, etc.) or aconnector for connecting a wire. Thus, the communication devices 60 a,60 b can selectively communicate with the communication device 29 of theinsulin pump 12 wirelessly and/or via a hardwire connection. As will bediscussed, each communication device 60 a, 60 b can provide two-waycommunication between the insulin pump 12 and the respective computer 17a, 17 b.

Still further, the personal computers 17 a, 17 b can each include amemory device 62 a, 62 b, which can store application programs and dataand can be constructed of any suitable combination of volatile and/ornonvolatile memory. The memory devices 62 a, 62 b can also include arespective computer authorization level 64 a, 64 b (indicated as “Auth.3” and “Auth. 4” in FIG. 1B). The computer authorization levels 64 a, 64b can be used for determining whether the computer 17 a, 17 b isauthorized to change or otherwise configure certain parameters 51 a-51 don the pump 12. The authorization levels 64 a, 64 b can be differentfrom each other such that each computer 17 a, 17 b can be authorized toconfigure different parameter blocks 21 a-21 d. Also, one or bothauthorization levels 64 a, 64 b can be different from the authorizationlevel 43 of the meter 19 such that the computers 17 a, 17 b can beauthorized to configure different parameter blocks 21 a-21 d than themeter 19 as will be discussed in greater detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a chart is shown that demonstrates whether thepump 12, the meter 19, the first computer 17 a, and the second computer17 b are authorized to read and/or write to the parameter blocks 21 a-21d. The information and rules set forth in FIG. 4 can be stored on thepump 12, the meter 19, the first computer 17 a, and/or the secondcomputer 17 b. As shown in FIG. 4, the pump 12 is authorized to write tothe parameters in the parameter block 21 a. Also, the meter 19 (with itscomparatively higher authority of “Auth. 2”) is authorized to write toboth parameter blocks 21 a and 21 b. Moreover, the first computer 17 a(with its still-higher authority of “Auth. 3”) is authorized to write toparameter blocks 21 a, 21 b, and 21 c. Finally, the second computer 17 b(with the highest authority) is authorized to write to each of theparameter blocks 21 a-21 d.

It will be appreciated, then, that the parameters 51 a-51 d within theparameter blocks 21 a-21 d can be protected such that only predetermineddevices can make changes thereto. For instance, some parameters 51 a-51d may have low restriction settings (e.g., those pertaining to fontsdisplayed on the display 35, etc.) such that the pump 12, meter 19, andcomputers 17 a, 17 b can each individually make changes thereto. Otherparameters 51 a-51 d can have high restriction settings (e.g., thosepertaining to bolus or basal insulin dosages) such that only some of thepump configuring devices 15 a-15 c can make changes thereto.

Additionally, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the pump12, the meter 19, and the computers 17 a-17 b is authorized to access(i.e., read) the parameters 51 a-51 d from the parameter blocks 21 a-21d regardless of the respective authorization level 23, 43, 64 a, 64 b.This can allow the devices to communicate efficiently with each otherand to ensure proper operations of the system 10. However, in otherembodiments, some parameter blocks 21 a-21 d can be set to beinaccessible (i.e., unreadable) by any of the pump 12, the meter 19,and/or the computers 17 a, 17 b.

Furthermore, the system 10 could be arranged considering that the pump12 is used by the patient 11, but that the meter 19 and/or the computers17 a, 17 b are controlled and used by persons other than the patient 11.For instance, the patient 11 can be a child that uses the pump 12,whereas the parent(s) of the child can control and use the meter 19, thepatient's doctor can control and use the first computer 17 a, and themanufacturer of the pump 12 can control and use the second computer 17b. Thus, the authorization levels 23, 43, 64 a, 64 b of the pump 12,meter 19, and computers 17 a, 17 b can be preset with these user/devicepairings in mind. For instance, since the child patient 11 wears andoperates the pump 12, and the child may not have sufficient knowledgeabout proper insulin dosages, etc., the pump 12 can have a relativelylow authority level 23 such that the pump 12 is only able to makechanges to minor parameters 51 a-51 d (e.g., selections betweenpredetermined temporary basal rates, fonts displayed on the display 35,etc.). In contrast, since the parent may have more knowledge aboutinsulin dosages, etc., the meter 19 can have a higher authority levelsuch that the meter 19 is able to make changes to more parameters 51a-51 d (e.g., those changes that are allowed with the pump 12 as well asselections between normal basal rate profiles, etc.). Moreover, sincethe doctor can have substantial knowledge about the patient's particularmedical condition, the first personal computer 17 a can have an evenhigher authority level 64 a such that the computer 17 a is able to makechanges to even more parameters 51 a-51 d (e.g., those changes that areallowed by the pump 12 and meter 19 as well as defining basal rateprofiles, temporary basal rates, maximum bolus dosages, etc.). Finally,the manufacturer will likely need to make overall system changes to thepump 12, the second computer 17 b can have the highest authority level64 b such that substantially all of the parameters 51 a-51 d can bechanged therewith. It will also be appreciated that the authority level23, 43, 64 a, 64 b of each device can remain the same regardless of theuser.

Configuring the Pump Using Pump Configuring Device

Referring now to FIG. 5 exemplary embodiments of a method 69 ofconfiguring the pump 12 will be discussed. For purposes of discussion,the method 69 is illustrated such that the user is attempting toconfigure the pump 12 using the meter 19. However, the method 69 of FIG.5 could also apply to scenarios in which the user is attempting toconfigure the pump 12 using either of the computers 17 a, 17 b. If thepump 12 is being used for configuring itself, some aspects of the method69 can apply as will be discussed below; however, the method 69 appliesto situations where the separate pump configuring devices 15 a, 15 b, 15c are being used to configure the pump 12.

The method 69 begins in block 70, wherein the user can navigate throughmenus and/or other graphical output on the display 48 using the inputdevice 44. Then, the user can select an option to read and/or modify theconfiguration of the pump 12. Stated differently, the meter 19 canreceive a request to access one or more parameters 51 a-51 d on the pump12. Block 70 can include a selection to read/modify one parameter 51a-51 d, more than one parameters 51 a-51 d, or each of the parameters 51a-51 d on the pump 12.

Then, in block 71, the meter 19 can attempt to identify the parameterblock 21 a-21 d on the pump 12 that includes the parameter(s) 51 a-51 dspecified in block 70. More specifically, the meter 19 can communicatewith the pump 12 (via the communication devices 50, 29) and query thepump 12 for the stored location of the parameter block(s) 21 a-21 dcontaining the parameter(s) 51 a-51 d specified in block 70. Block 72can include a reply from the pump 12 to the meter 19 identifying thelocation of the specified parameter block(s) 21 a-21 d, and the replycan also include the contents of the block(s) 21 a-21 d (i.e., therespective parameter(s) 51 a-51 d and restriction setting(s) 53 a-53 d).

Next, in block 73 the processor 40 of the meter 19 can determine whetherthe reply of block 72 is complete. If not (block 73 answerednegatively), then the display 48 or any other output device 46 canoutput an error message in block 74. However, if the reply is completelyreceived (block 73 answered affirmatively), then block 75 can follow.

In block 75, the processor 40 can compare the authorization level 43 ofthe meter 19 to the restriction setting(s) 53 a-53 d of the parameterblock(s) 21 a-21 d specified in block 70. For instance, the processor 40can refer to the rules set forth in the chart of FIG. 4 to determinewhether the meter 19 is authorized to write to (i.e., configure) theparameter block(s) 21 a-21 d specified in block 70.

If the processor 40 determines that the meter 19 is unauthorized towrite to the parameter block(s) 21 a-21 d (block 75 answerednegatively), then block 80 can follow. In block 80, the display 48 candisplay the parameter(s) 51 a-51 d specified in block 70 in a way thatindicates that the parameter(s) 51 a-51 d is/are unchangeable. Forinstance, the display 48 can “grey out” the parameter(s) 51 a-51 d(i.e., the parameter(s) 51 a-51 d can have a different color orotherwise appear different on the display 48 to indicate that theparameter(s) 51 a-51 d are not modifiable). However, if the meter 19 isauthorized to write to the parameter block(s) 21 a-21 d (block 75answered affirmatively), then in block 76, the display 48 can displaythe respective parameter(s) 51 a-51 d. The display 48 can further promptthe user to input changes to the parameter(s) 51 a-51 d using the inputdevice 44 of the meter 19.

Next, in block 77, the user can input changes to the parameter(s) 51a-51 d using the input device 44. Stated differently, in block 77, themeter 19 receives a request to change the parameter(s) 51 a-51 d. Insome embodiments, the meter 19 can request confirmation from the user ofthese changes.

Subsequently, in block 78, the meter 19 can send the changes input inblock 77 to the pump 12. Finally, in block 79, the processor 22 of thepump 12 can output control commands for writing to the parameterblock(s) 21 a-21 d and changing the parameter(s) 51 a-51 d therein.

In some embodiments, before overwriting occurs in block 79, theprocessor 22 of the pump 12 can check that the meter 19 has authority towrite to the parameter block(s) 21 a-21 d to change the parameter(s) 51a-51 d therein. Specifically, meter 19 can send its authority level 43to the pump 12, and the processor 22 can compare the authority level 43of the meter 19 to the respective restriction setting(s) 53 a-53 d byreferring to the rules of FIG. 4, etc. Assuming that the meter 19 hashigh enough authority, the pump 12 can overwrite the parameter block(s)21 a-21 d in block 78.

Accordingly, the method 69 can ensure that the pump 12 is properlyconfigured. Specifically, the devices 15 a, 15 b, 15 c are able tochange certain parameters 51 a-51 d depending on its preset authority.Therefore, the parameters 51 a-51 d can be protected against inadvertentchanges.

In situations where the pump 12 is used to configure itself, theauthority level 23 of the pump 12 can be compared to the restrictionsetting 53 a-53 d for the parameters 51 a-51 d that are specified forchange (e.g., similar to block 75). In the rules and information setforth in FIG. 4, the pump 12 has low authority and is allowed to readand write only to parameter block 21 a. However, the pump 12 can readeach of the parameter blocks 21 a-21 d.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, additional embodiments of a method 81of configuring the pump 12 using one of the pump configuring devices 15a-15 c are illustrated. For purposes of discussion, it will be assumedthat the second computer 17 b is the configuring device; however, themethod 81 can equally apply where the meter 19 or first computer 17 a isbeing used for configuring the pump 12.

The method 81 can begin in block 82, wherein the user selects an optionto read and/or modify the configuration of the pump 12. This can be arequest to read and/or modify specific parameters 51 a-51 d, or arequest to read and/or modify substantially all of the parameters 51a-51 d.

Then, in block 84, the computer 17 b can communicate with the pump 12(using the communications devices 29, 60 b) and request configurationinformation from the pump 12. The pump 12 can reply with configurationinformation in block 86. The configuration information can be thelocation of the parameter(s) 51 a-51 d specified in block 82 in thepump's memory device 24, the values for the parameters 51 a-51 d, theassociated restriction settings 53 a-53 d, etc. This configurationinformation can be temporarily saved in the memory device 62 b of thecomputer 17 b.

Subsequently, in block 88, the display 58 b can visually output at leastsome of the configuration information sent in block 86. In someembodiments of block 88, the display 58 b can display the currentparameters 51 a-51 d specified in block 82. Also, the processor 52 b cancompare the authorization level 64 b of the computer 17 b to each of therestriction settings 53 a-53 d sent in block 86 in order to determinewhether those parameters 51 a-51 d are changeable (i.e., configurable)or unchangeable (i.e., unconfigurable) as described above. Todemonstrate that parameters 51 a-51 d are unchangeable, the display 58 bcan “grey out” the displayed parameter 51 a-51 d.

Next, in block 90, the computer 17 b can send a “close communication”command to the pump 12 via the communication devices 29, 60 b. Next, inblock 92, the pump 12 can close communications with the computer 17 b.

Then, in decision block 94, the user can decide whether to make anychanges to the changeable parameters 51 a-51 d. If the user decides notto make any changes to the parameters 51 a-51 d (decision block 94answered negatively), then the method 81 can terminate. However, if theuser wishes to make changes (decision block 94 answered affirmatively),then in block 96, the user can enter the desired changes using the inputdevice 54 b. Block 98 can follow.

In block 98, the computer 17 b can again establish communications withthe pump 12, and the computer 17 b can again request configurationinformation from the pump 12 similar to block 84. For instance, thecomputer 17 b can request one or more of the parameters 51 a-51 d savedin the parameter blocks 21 a-21 d. The pump 12 can reply with therequested information in block 100.

Then, in block 102, the processor 52 b can compare the parameters 51a-51 d and other configuration information received from the pump 12 tothe parameters 51 a-51 d that were altered in block 96. Differencesbetween the sets of parameters 51 a-51 d can be displayed on the display58 b. Then, in block 104, the computer 17 b can prompt the user forconfirmation of the changes. If the user decides to abort changing theconfiguration of the pump 12 (decision block 104 answered negatively),the method 81 can terminate. However, if the user confirms the change(decision block 104 answered affirmatively), then block 106 can follow.

In block 106, the processor 52 b of the computer 17 b can perform avalidation of the new configuration (i.e., the processor 52 b canperform a test to determine whether the pump 12 will be fully operablewith the parameters 51 a-51 d changed in block 104). This occurs priorto actually writing the new configuration to the pump 12. Therefore,proper operations of the pump 12 can be ensured.

Assuming that the new configuration is valid, block 108 can follow. Inblock 108, the user can be once again prompted (e.g., on the display 58b) to affirm writing of the new configuration onto the pump 12. As shownin block 108, the user can affirm by selecting the “write configurationon pump” or other similar selection using the input device 54 b. As aresult, the computer 17 b can once again establish communications withthe pump 12 to begin writing the new configuration thereto.

Then, in block 110, the computer 17 b can send commands to the processor22 of the pump 12 to write the new configuration, and in block 112, thepump 12 can write the new configuration. In the embodiments illustrated,the pump 12 can overwrite the new configuration to the backup parameterblocks 21 a′-21 d′, instead of the “active” parameter blocks 21 a-21 d.That way, the pump 12 can continue to operate during thisreconfiguration with the “active” parameter blocks 21 a-21 d governingthe operations of the pump 12 (i.e., before the new parameters 51 a-51 dtake effect). In additional embodiments, the pump 12 can write newparameter blocks that correspond to the “active” parameter blocks 21a-21 d instead of overwriting existing parameter blocks.

Also, in some embodiments of blocks 110 and 112, the pump 12 canoverwrite the backup parameter blocks 21 a′-21 d′ one-by-one (i.e., insuccession). In other embodiments, the pump 12 can overwrite multipleparameter blocks 21 a′-21 d′ substantially simultaneously. Also, thedisplay 58 b can simultaneously inform the user of the progress ofoverwriting.

Next, in block 114 (FIG. 6B), the processor 52 b can determine whetherthe reconfiguration process of blocks 110 and 112 has been successfullycompleted. If unsuccessful (e.g., due to the process timing out, etc.),then block 116 can follow. In block 116, the computer 17 b can send an“abort” command to the pump 12. As a result, the pump 12 can abort theoverwriting process in block 124.

However, if the reconfiguration process of blocks 110 and 112 has beensuccessfully completed, then block 118 can follow. In block 118, thecomputer 17 b can send the pump 12 a command to close thereconfiguration session. As a result, the pump 12 can close the sessionin block 120. Next, the processor 22 of the pump 122 can perform avalidation of the new configuration.

As shown, decision block 126 can follow block 122. In decision block126, the processor 22 determines whether the new configuration iscomplete and otherwise valid for running the pump 12. If the newconfiguration is valid (block 126 answered affirmatively), then block128 can follow. In block 128, the processor 22 can overwrite the “old”configuration contained in the “active” parameter blocks 21 a-21 d withthe “new” configuration contained in the “backup” parameter blocks 21a′-21 d′.

However, if the new configuration is incomplete or otherwise invalid(decision block 126 answered negatively), then block 130 can follow. Inblock 130, the “backup” parameter blocks 21 a′-21 d′ containing the“new” configuration can be restored back to the “old” configuration byoverwriting the “backup” parameter blocks 21 a′-21 d′ with theinformation contained in the “active” parameter blocks 21 a-21 d.

Thereafter, in block 132, the pump 12 can send a current status of thepump 12 to the computer 17 b. Then, in block 134, the processor 134 canreport the status of the pump 12. If the pump 12 has been successfullyreconfigured (block 134 answered affirmatively), then the display 58 bcan display a “configuration accepted” or other similar statement to theuser. However, if the reconfiguration was unsuccessful (block 134answered negatively), then the display 58 b can display a “newconfiguration not written” or other similar statement to the user.

In additional embodiments, if the reconfiguration includes reconfiguringthe language displayed on the display 58 b (e.g., a change from theEnglish language to Arabic), then the method 81 can include additionalfeatures. For instance, in blocks 86 and 100, the pump 12 cancommunicate to the computer 17 b the language currently being used, allof the languages that are available for use on the pump 12, etc. Also,the validation performed in block 122 can include validating the newlanguage as well a validation of the language resources on the pump 12.

Accordingly, the system 10 and methods 69, 81 described herein can allowthe pump 12 to be configured by one or more independent configuringdevices 15 a-15 c (here, the meter 19, the first computer 17 a, and thesecond computer 17 b). The parameters 51 a-51 d can be protected fromunauthorized reconfigurations by ensuring that the configuring device 15a-15 c have sufficient authorization to do so. As such, pump 12 canoperate as intended.

The techniques described herein may be implemented by one or morecomputer programs executed by one or more processors. The computerprograms include processor-executable instructions that are stored on anon-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer programsmay also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of thenon-transitory tangible computer readable medium are nonvolatile memory,magnetic storage, and optical storage.

Some portions of the above description present the techniques describedherein in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operationson information. These algorithmic descriptions and representations arethe means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to mosteffectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in theart. These operations, while described functionally or logically, areunderstood to be implemented by computer programs. Furthermore, it hasalso proven convenient at times to refer to these arrangements ofoperations as modules or by functional names, without loss ofgenerality.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the abovediscussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description,discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or“calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer system, or similar electroniccomputing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system memories orregisters or other such information storage, transmission or displaydevices.

Certain aspects of the described techniques include process steps andinstructions described herein in the form of an algorithm. It should benoted that the described process steps and instructions could beembodied in software, firmware or hardware, and when embodied insoftware, could be downloaded to reside on and be operated fromdifferent platforms used by real time network operating systems.

The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for performing theoperations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for therequired purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computerselectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored on acomputer readable medium that can be accessed by the computer. Such acomputer program may be stored in a tangible computer readable storagemedium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk includingfloppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks, read-onlymemories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs,magnetic or optical cards, application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), or any type of media suitable for storing electronicinstructions, and each coupled to a computer system bus. Furthermore,the computers referred to in the specification may include a singleprocessor or may be architectures employing multiple processor designsfor increased computing capability.

The algorithms and operations presented herein are not inherentlyrelated to any particular computer or other apparatus. Variousgeneral-purpose systems may also be used with programs in accordancewith the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct morespecialized apparatuses to perform the required method steps. Therequired structure for a variety of these systems will be apparent tothose of skill in the art, along with equivalent variations. Inaddition, the present disclosure is not described with reference to anyparticular programming language. It is appreciated that a variety ofprogramming languages may be used to implement the teachings of thepresent disclosure as described herein.

The present disclosure is well suited to a wide variety of computernetwork systems over numerous topologies. Within this field, theconfiguration and management of large networks comprise storage devicesand computers that are communicatively coupled to dissimilar computersand storage devices over a network, such as the Internet.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method of configuring aninsulin pump using a pump configuring device, the pump configuringdevice having a predetermined authorization level, the methodcomprising: defining a plurality of parameter blocks in a memory deviceof the insulin pump; storing a plurality of parameters and an associatedrestriction setting in the plurality of parameter blocks, each of theparameter blocks in the plurality of parameter blocks includes adifferent parameter and an associated restriction setting; receiving, bythe pump configuring device, a request to access a given parameter onthe insulin pump; identifying, by the pump configuring device, a givenparameter block from the plurality of parameter blocks by querying theinsulin pump for a memory location of the given parameter block in thememory device of the insulin pump; retrieving, by the pump configuringdevice from the insulin pump, the given parameter and the givenrestriction setting from the given parameter block; comparing, by aprocessor of the pump configuring device, the authorization level of thepump configuring device to the given restriction setting retrieved fromthe insulin pump; determining, by the pump configuring device, if theauthorization level of the pump configuring device is greater than thegiven restriction setting retrieved from the insulin pump; performingone of: writing, by the pump configuring device, a new value of thegiven parameter to the given parameter block in response to thedetermination that the authorization level of the pump configuringdevice is greater than the given restriction setting retrieved from theinsulin pump; or changing, by the pump configuring device, a visualattribute of the given parameter on the display in response to thedetermination that the authorization level of the pump configuringdevice is less than the given restriction setting retrieved from theinsulin pump; and displaying, by the pump configuring device, the givenparameter on a display.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdisplaying, by the pump configuring device, the given parameter on adisplay of the pump configuring device.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein displaying the given parameter includes displaying the givenparameter as a changeable parameter in response to the determinationthat the pump configuring device is authorized to write to the givenparameter block, and further comprising receiving, by the pumpconfiguring device, a request to change the given parameter to the newvalue.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising prompting a user ofthe pump configuring device for confirmation of the request to changethe given parameter to the new value.
 5. The method of claim 2, whereindisplaying the given parameter includes displaying the given parameterto indicate that the given parameter is unchangeable in response to adetermination that the pump configuring device is unauthorized to writeto the given parameter block.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinidentifying the given parameter block that stores the given parameter onthe memory device of the insulin pump includes: requesting, by the pumpconfiguring device from the insulin pump, a location of the givenparameter block on the memory device of the insulin pump; and receiving,from the insulin pump to the pump configuring device, the location ofthe given parameter block on the memory device of the insulin pump. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the pump configuring device is one of afirst pump configuring device and a second pump configuring device,wherein the first pump configuring device has a first authorizationlevel and the second pump configuring device has a second authorizationlevel, wherein the second authorization level authorizes writing to moreof the plurality of parameter blocks than the first authorization level.8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first pump configuring device is ablood glucose meter and the second pump configuring device is a personalcomputer that runs pump configuring software.
 9. The method of claim 7,wherein the first pump configuring device is the insulin pump, and thesecond pump configuring device is a blood glucose meter.
 10. The methodof claim 1, wherein the plurality of parameter blocks include aplurality of active parameter blocks and a plurality of backup parameterblocks, each of the active parameter blocks having a correspondingbackup parameter block.
 11. The method of claim 10, further including:writing the given parameter to a given backup parameter block, whereinthe given backup parameter block has a corresponding given activeparameter block; determining, using the processor of the pumpconfiguring device, whether the insulin pump is operable with the givenparameter written in the given backup parameter block; writing the givenparameter to the given active parameter block if the insulin pump isoperable with the given parameter; and writing the given backupparameter block with data stored in the given active parameter block ifthe insulin pump is not operable with the given parameter.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein writing to the given parameter block includeswriting to at least two parameter blocks in succession.
 13. A diabetestreatment system comprising: an insulin pump having a plurality ofparameter blocks defined in a memory therein and configured with aplurality of parameters stored in the plurality of parameter blocks,such that each of the parameter blocks in the plurality of parameterblocks includes a different parameter and an associated restrictionsetting; a pump configuring device including an input device that isoperable to receive a request to access a given parameter on the insulinpump; a memory device of the pump configuring device with apredetermined authorization level of the pump configuring device savedthereon; a communication device that is operable to communicate with theinsulin pump to retrieve the given parameter and a given restrictionsetting stored on a given parameter block on a memory device of theinsulin pump; and a processor that is operable to compare theauthorization level of the pump configuring device to the givenrestriction setting and determine if the authorization level of the pumpconfiguration device is greater than the given restriction setting, andwrite to the given parameter block on the insulin pump only in responseto a determination that the authorization level of the pump configuringdevice is greater than the given restriction setting retrieved from theinsulin pump.
 14. The pump configuring device of claim 13, furthercomprising a display that is operable to display the given parameter.15. The pump configuring device of claim 14, wherein the display isoperable to display the given parameter as a changeable parameter inresponse to the determination that the pump configuring device isauthorized to write to the given parameter block, the input device isoperable to receive a request to change the given parameter to a newvalue, and wherein the processor is operable to write the new value ofthe given parameter to the given parameter block.
 16. The pumpconfiguring device of claim 14, wherein the display is operable todisplay the given parameter to indicate that the given parameter isunchangeable in response to a determination that the pump configuringdevice is unauthorized to write to the given parameter block.
 17. Thepump configuring device of claim 13, wherein the pump configuring deviceis one of a blood glucose meter and a personal computer that runs pumpconfiguring software, wherein the blood glucose meter has a firstauthorization level and the computer has a second authorization level,wherein the second authorization level authorizes writing to more of theplurality of parameter blocks than the first authorization level. 18.The pump configuring device of claim 13, wherein the pump configuringdevice is one of the insulin pump and a blood glucose meter, wherein theinsulin pump has a first authorization level and the blood glucose meterhas a second authorization level, wherein the second authorization levelauthorizes writing to more of the plurality of parameter blocks than thefirst authorization level.
 19. A diabetes treatment system comprising:an insulin pump having a plurality of parameter blocks defined in amemory therein and configured with a plurality of parameters stored inthe plurality of parameter blocks, each of the parameter blocks in theplurality of parameter blocks includes a different parameter and anassociated restriction setting; and an insulin pump configuring devicethat includes: an input device that is operable to receive a request toaccess a given parameter on the insulin pump; a memory device with apredetermined authorization level of the pump configuring device savedthereon; a communication device that is operable to communicate with theinsulin pump to retrieve the given parameter and a given restrictionsetting associated with the given parameter stored on a given parameterblock of a memory device of the insulin pump; and a processor that isoperable to compare the authorization level of the pump configuringdevice to the given restriction setting and determine if theauthorization level of the pump configuration device is greater than thegiven restriction setting, and perform one of write a new value of thegiven parameter to the given parameter block on the insulin pump orchange a visual attribute of the given parameter on the display, whereinwriting a new value of the given parameter to the given parameter blockoccurs in response to a determination that the authorization level ofthe pump configuring device is greater than the given restrictionsetting retrieved from the insulin pump; and changing a visual attributeof the given parameter on the display occurs in response to adetermination that the authorization level of the pump configuringdevice is less than the given restriction setting retrieved from theinsulin pump, wherein the insulin pump is operable to administer insulinin accordance with the given parameter written to the given parameterblock.